Understanding Functional Electrical Stimulation
At South West Kids Clinic, we understand the importance of innovative therapies like Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in paediatric rehabilitation. FES therapy is a cutting-edge technique that uses electrical impulses to stimulate specific muscles or muscle groups, improving mobility, muscle strength, and overall functional abilities in children with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
This technique aims to restore or improve the function of muscles affected by neurological impairment or injury. By delivering controlled electrical impulses, FES therapy can activate weakened or paralysed muscles, facilitating movements that may otherwise be challenging or impossible for the child.
What is TASES?
Task-Specific Electrical Stimulation (TASES) is a therapy that uses electrical impulses to help children with cerebral palsy and other movement disorders improve their movement and coordination. It’s an active treatment where the child participates in tasks while the stimulation helps muscles contract and move in the right way. TASES is designed to improve joint movement, reduce muscle stiffness (spasticity), and encourage better motor skills through repetition and proper alignment during age-appropriate activities. Our skilled therapists carefully target the right muscles, ensuring that the therapy strengthens muscles and enhances movement. Combined with other therapy interventions, TASES can lead to better outcomes by helping children gain strength, improve their range of motion, and develop new skills.
What Conditions Does Functional Electrical Stimulation Target
FES therapy has shown exceptional efficacy in addressing a wide range of conditions in children. This non-invasive and highly customisable treatment approach targets specific muscle groups, allowing for significant improvements in various conditions, including but not limited to:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
- Genetic disorders affecting muscle function
- Amputations
- Neurological Conditions Impacting Mobility
How is Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy Used in a Session?
At South West Kids Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to Functional Electrical Stimulation therapy. FES therapy is combined with other Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy interventions.
During FES therapy sessions, small electrodes are strategically placed on the skin over targeted muscles. These electrodes deliver gentle electrical impulses, stimulating the muscles and triggering contractions. Your therapist will guide your child through specific exercises and functional movements that reinforce muscle engagement and function while the electrodes are applied. FES therapy helps reawaken paralysed or weakened muscles, enhance blood circulation, prevent muscle wastage, reduce spasms and pain, and improve overall mobility.
Our therapists personalise the FES therapy sessions to your child’s specific needs, making adjustments as progress is made. We prioritise safety, comfort, and optimal results, ensuring that your child’s therapy sessions are practical and enjoyable.
Unlike traditional FES intervention, the Mollii suit is worn for 60 minutes every other day to reduce muscle spasticity and improve movement for up to 48 hours after each session. For clients suitable for this intervention, we arrange for a longer-term trial for use under the guidance of our therapy team.
Benefits of Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Functional Electrical Stimulation therapy offers a range of benefits for children with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. Some key advantages include:
Enhanced muscle strength
FES therapy helps strengthen weakened muscles by promoting muscle contractions improving mobility and functional abilities.
Improved motor control
By stimulating targeted muscles, FES therapy can assist in restoring or enhancing motor control, enabling more coordinated movements.
Increased functional independence
FES therapy can support children in performing daily activities more independently by improving muscle function and mobility.
Customised treatment approach
At South West Kids Clinic, our FES therapy is customised to each child’s unique needs and goals, ensuring optimal outcomes and progress.
What ages are suitable for FES therapy?
FES therapy can benefit children of various ages, from infancy through adolescence. Our therapists assess each child individually to determine their suitability for FES treatment.
Is FES therapy painful?
FES therapy is generally well-tolerated and non-invasive. The electrical impulses used in FES may cause mild sensations or muscle contractions, but they should not be painful. Our therapists ensure that the therapy is comfortable and safe for the child.
How long does a typical FES therapy session last?
The duration of FES therapy sessions may vary depending on the child’s condition and treatment goals. Our therapists tailor the duration and frequency of sessions to meet the child’s needs while ensuring optimal progress.
How soon can we expect to see results from FES therapy?
The timeline for seeing results from FES therapy varies for each child, depending on factors such as their condition, severity of symptoms, and consistency of therapy. Our therapists work closely with families to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
